Resurrection Studies and the Shift in Scholarly Consensus

Introduction to the Veritas Forum

  • Engaging university students and faculty in discussions about life’s hardest questions and the relevance of Jesus Christ.
  • Shift in resurrection studies over the past 30 years.

Changes in Scholarly Attitudes

  • In the 1970s, skepticism regarding the resurrection was prevalent; only evangelicals discussed the empty tomb.
  • Majority of New Testament scholars and theologians today accept the reality of the empty tomb and resurrection appearances.
  • Transition from skeptical (D grades) to acceptance (C grades or higher) of resurrection claims.

Data and Methodology in Resurrection Studies

  • Research background: dissertation on resurrection at Michigan State with a diverse, skeptical committee.
  • Committee approval for topic with the stipulation: do not argue for resurrection based on biblical claims.
  • Development of the "minimal facts method" to support claims of resurrection based on available data.

Minimal Facts Approach

  • Engages with the New Testament as literature, regardless of its divine inspiration claims.
  • Asserts that reliable historical data still supports the idea of Jesus’ resurrection.

Historical Evidence and New Testament Reliability

  • Emphasis on texts: 1 Corinthians 15 and Galatians 1-2, where Paul passes on teachings he received about Jesus’ resurrection.
  • Early creedal traditions in the New Testament support the resurrection narrative, with Bart Ehrman asserting early origins (one year post-crucifixion).
  • Importance of eyewitness accounts and their teachings about resurrection.

Eyewitness Credibility

  • Paul's change from persecutor of Christians to apostle raises questions about credibility and reliability.
  • Eyewitness testimony remains a cornerstone in historical methods, despite personal backgrounds.

Statistical Support for a Historical Resurrection

  • Skeptics acknowledge that Jesus was crucified and followers had transformative experiences post-death.
  • Bart Ehrman and other notable scholars recognize the data leading to the belief in resurrection appearances among followers.

The Martyr Argument

  • Martyrdom demonstrates belief in the events occurred, reinforcing their accounts, although martyrdom alone doesn't validate the truth.
  • The historical reliability of apostles, despite their flaws, is considered credible in light of early 1st-century scholarship.

Historical Context Comparisons

  • Comparison with ancient history and other historical figures to highlight the data support for resurrection claims.
  • Discussion on the timing and proximity of New Testament accounts to actual events boosts their credibility.

Conclusion: The Nature of Faith and Skepticism

  • Emotional versus rational reasons for belief; many skeptics may reject the resurrection narrative despite historical evidence.
  • Acknowledgment that personal biases influence interpretations of evidence in religious beliefs, including the situations of skepticism towards naturalism and atheism.

Questions and Discussion

  • Open floor for audience questions.
  • Engaging in dialogue about the reliability of witnesses and the implications of skeptics recognizing historical facts but distinguishing personal belief.

Key Themes and Concepts

  1. Evolution of the Resurrection Debate: Shift in scholarly acceptance over 30 years.
  2. Validity of Evidence: Use of New Testament passages as early creedal records.
  3. Importance of Eyewitness Accounts: Credibility of apostles and their transformative experiences.
  4. Martyrdom: Demonstrative of belief but not a proof of truth.
  5. Encountering Skepticism: Emotional biases affecting faith engagement.